State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson visited Woodland High School (WHS) Tuesday to meet students and staff, as well as announce the latest statewide graduation rate data.

Torlakson reported that California’s graduation rate increased for the seventh year in a row and is now at a record high of 83.2 percent during a news conference in the WHS library.

Woodland High School has shown significant improvement over the last seven years, moving from a graduation rate of 82.8 percent during the 2009-10 school year to 94 percent for 2015-16.

During his visit, Torlakson talked with WHS students and staff and toured classes, which included forensic sciences, history, woodshop, automotive technology, visual arts and culinary arts.

“Our students, staff and alumni help create such an amazing and encouraging environment that supports our students,” said Karrie Sequeira, WHS principal. “Everyone on campus – teachers, counselors, support staff - believes that it is their job to help our students reach their next goal.”

Pioneer High School (PHS) also places well above the state average with a graduation rate of 94.3 percent for the 2015-16 school year. The average graduation rate for Woodland Joint Unified School District is 90 percent (includes WHS, PHS and Cache Creek High School).

Recent WJUSD efforts have included reviewing and focusing on multiple data sources to evaluate student achievement and providing career and technical education, English Learner Specialists, Chromebooks for students in grades four through 10, positive behavioral interventions and supports, and after school, tutoring and mentor programs.

“While we know our teachers and administrators are doing an incredible job, it is such an honor to have the opportunity to meet with Superintendent Torlakson and be able to highlight that work,” said Morgan Childers, president, WJUSD Board of Trustees. “We always need to keep improving and finding new and better ways to support students, but this data and recognition shows that we are on the right track.”